Tom, 19, Thornton

One of the things that I have discovered is that there is a lot of hope in the Church. Recently I have been on a Lourdes preparation weekend and I have found many like-minded young people. Sometimes I wonder where all the young people are in the Church, but in getting involved with the Youth Service I’ve realised that there are many young people that are still searching for God. In my own life it may seem that things aren’t always going according to plan, but staying positive and believing in God has helped me to get through those times and realise that a lot of good things have happened in my life. I have discovered that such a simple thing like reading the Bible in difficult times can completely change your perspective, sometimes instantly, and put you in a new frame of mind. I was given a Gideon Bible when I first started at school and at the front of the Bible there is an index which suggests different Scripture readings for different situations and challenges in life. I have found this invaluable, giving me light in dark places.